Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced a major push against drugs, aiming to make Gujarat completely drug-free by 31st December 2028, a year ahead of the national target of 31st December 2029.
Speaking at a public function following the inauguration and laying of the foundation stones of a host of development projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore, he said the Government cannot win the fight against the menace of narcotics alone without the active participation of the people.
Shah, who represents Gandhinagar in the Lok Sabha, said the campaign was launched on the auspicious occasion of Kali Chaudas with the clear intent of making life difficult for drug peddlers. “We aim to make India drug-free by December 31, 2029. And since both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I hail from Gujarat, we intend to make Gujarat drug-free earlier, by December 31, 2028,” he declared.
He warned that drug abuse hollows out the youth, impairs cognitive abilities and sensory faculties, and channels illicit proceeds into terrorism, turning the fight into both a national security priority and a social responsibility.
A key announcement was the launch of a dedicated toll-free helpline, 1033, which will become operational in Gujarat from December 1. Citizens can anonymously report the sale or consumption of drugs, with identities kept strictly confidential.
The Home Minister assured that the Bhupendra Patel Government would act on every complaint within three hours and track down those involved in the trade. “If you find drugs being sold, report it. I assure you on behalf of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Patel that we will take all steps to counter the menace,” he said.
He also called for rehabilitation centres and urged parents, teachers and guardians to monitor behavioural changes in young people, such as bloodshot eyes, lack of focus or sleeping in class, and report concerns without stigma.
The announcements follow a high-level law-and-order and internal security review meeting Shah chaired in Ahmedabad on Saturday, November 7.
Attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and senior central and state officials, the meeting directed enforcement agencies to prepare strict action plans against narcotics, expand the scope of the 1933 control room, conduct intensive multi-agency drives, and target entire drug networks and their kingpins rather than only small-time peddlers. Financial investigations to seize illicit assets were prioritised as part of the broader goal of a drug-free India by 2029.
Monday’s event also featured the computerised draw for housing allotments under welfare schemes and a tree plantation drive. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot and other dignitaries were present as Shah inaugurated civic infrastructure projects across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Shah emphasised that coordinated efforts between the Union Home Ministry and the Gujarat Government, combined with public vigilance, would ensure the state leads the nation in becoming drug-free.